The Driving Test and External DVSA Links
The Driving Test
The driving test in England, Scotland and Wales comprises of 2 parts. The first part is known as the theory test and the 2nd part is the practical in-car test. You must pass the theory test before you can book a practical test. You have 2 years from the date of your theory test pass to pass your practical test otherwise you will have to retake and pass the theory test again.
You must have a provisional driving licence to book your theory test
Theory Test
There are 2 parts to the test:
- multiple-choice questions - You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 43 or more out of 50.
- hazard perception - You have to watch 14 video clips that contain a total of 15 developing hazards, you get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen. For each developing hazard you can score a maximum of 5 points. The pass mark is 44 or more out of 75.
You book and take them as a single test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.
You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday onwards
You’ll get a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre. You need this when you book and take your driving test.
Practical Driving Test
The practical driving test in England, Scotland and Wales is conducted by DVSA Examiners. The test is designed to ensure that you are a safe and competent driver. The test route will comprise of a wide variety of different road and traffic conditions to ensure you have a broad skill base and can make safe independent decisions without any prompts.
Please visit the Ready to Pass? Website for more information on how to pass your driving test by learning vital skills, managing nerves and taking mock tests.
The Test
The driving test will last for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, during which you are required to drive to or above a minimum standard set by the DVSA. Firstly your driving licence and eyesight are checked. You will be asked 2 safety questions, 1 at the start of your test and 1 whilst driving (these are commonly known as 'Show Me Tell Me' questions. During the test you will be required to drive independently for approximately 20 minutes either by following a GPS navigation system or following road signs. You will also be expected to carry out 1 reversing manoeuvre, 1 hill start, 1 angle start and you may also be required to carry out an emergency (controlled) stop.
The Marking System (click to open DVSA test marking sheet)
The examiners will assess your driving, noting any driving faults you may commit. There are three types of fault, categorised as either minor, serious or dangerous. A serious or dangerous fault will result in a test failure. An accumulation of more than 15 minor driving faults will also result in a failure.
- Minor Driving Fault - A fault or mistake that would not normally cause an incident but could in certain circumstances be a contributing factor.
- Serious Driving Fault - A fault or mistake that either affected or had the potential to affect another road user.
- Dangerous Driving fault - A fault or mistake that required either the examiner or another road user to take evasive action to avoid an incident.
Use the links below to book or change your driving test in England, Scotland or Wales or use the link to review the 'Show Me', 'Tell Me' questions
Please Note. The driving test locations listed below in the Book your practical driving test section are the test centres that I currently have knowledge of and would agree to take students to test at, provided you meet the required DVSA driving standard by passing a mock test with me and are Ready to Pass?
Book your theory test
Book your official DVSA car or motorcycle theory test for £23
Reading
First Floor, Greyfriars Gate, Greyfriars Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1NU
Basingstoke
The Square (Ground Floor), Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4EB
Aldershot
1 London House (Ground Floor), Pickford Street, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 1TY
Slough
Brooklands House, Petersfield Avenue, Slough, SL2 5DY
Staines
11-17 Kingston Road, Staines, London, TW18 4QX
Book your practical driving test
Book your official DVSA practical driving test for cars from £62 at one of the test centres below
Reading
220 Elgar Road South, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0BW
Greenham (Newbury)
Ventre West Business Park, New Greenham Park, Newbury, RG19 6HX
Basingstoke
Brighton Hill Centre, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 4LR
Slough
Ground floor, Sunbeam House, 12 Waterside Dr, Slough SL3 6EZ
'Show me, Tell me' questions: car driving test
The 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions that driving examiners can ask in car driving tests.
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